Identifying a personal drinking problem is not always as easy as it sounds; many people try to rationalize their alcohol consumption or ignore the warning signs. It can be challenging to discern between recreational drinking and when you are having too much too often. There are, however, several signs of alcohol abuse that you can watch for and recognise.
Your Drinking Is Starting To Impact The Way You Work
If you find yourself drinking more often to deal with work stress or problems, this is a sign that your alcohol consumption is starting to interfere with your daily routine. While it may be tempting to drink every day in order to take the edge off, this is not a sustainable solution. You may also notice that you are having difficulty concentrating or making decisions at work either without a drink or because of your previous day’s drinking.
Your Drinking Is Starting To Impact Your Personal Relationships
If you are regularly arguing with loved ones about your alcohol consumption, this is a sign that there may be a problem. Drinking can cause tension within already close relationships and lead to estrangement from family and friends. Key signs of alcohol abuse to look for are increased irritability, irrationality, and lack of patience.
You Engage In Risky Behaviors
If you are regularly doing risky things while drunk that you would not otherwise do such as verbal fights, physical altercations, drunk driving, or unsafe sexual encounters, this is a warning sign that you may have an alcohol addiction. If this is the case, it is critical to get help with your situation immediately before something life-threatening or fatal occurs.
You Are Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms That Resemble The Flu
Getting hangovers from drinking is normal. But, if you are experiencing physical cravings for alcohol, tremors or anxiety before your next drink, trouble sleeping due to restless nights, nausea after drinking sessions, irritability when not intoxicated on alcohol, or muscle aches without a session of drinking, this is another sign that your alcohol consumption is getting out of control.
Your Drinking Habits Have Changed Recently
If you are drinking in a way that was not previously common for you such as ordering drinks earlier or more frequently at social gatherings or starting to drink before noon each day, this can be an indicator that your drinking has increased and may soon become hazardous to your health. If you often drink more than planned, that may also be a sign that it is time for an intervention. You can also check this link to keep you in check https://www.abbeycarefoundation.com/alcohol/are-you-an-alcoholic-if-you-drink-a-bottle-of-wine-a-day/.
You’ve Tried Unsuccessfully To Cut Back On Alcohol Consumption But Can’t Seem To Control How Much You’re Drinking
If you have tried to reduce your drinking or curtail your habits before to no avail, you should definitely find help. If you reach this point, you are already admitting to yourself that you are not comfortable with your situation and are losing control.
How To Find Help
The best way to find help is to look at rehab near me through an online directory. You can also ask your family doctor for a referral to an addiction specialist. There are also many 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous that can help you get started on your road to recovery should you decide that rehab is too intensive.
At the end of the day, you know your body better than anyone else. If these warning signs of alcohol abuse check any or all of the boxes, it’s time to consider further treatment or intervention more seriously.
